Revelation 16:21

And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous.

Study Bible

And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above.
This phrase describes a catastrophic event during the seventh bowl judgment in the Book of Revelation. The imagery of hailstones is reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9:22-26) and serves as a symbol of divine judgment. The weight of the hailstones, nearly a hundred pounds, emphasizes the severity and supernatural nature of this judgment, as such large hailstones are not naturally occurring. This event can be seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as in Isaiah 28:2 and Ezekiel 38:22, where hail is used as an instrument of God's wrath. The use of hailstones also connects to the theme of God's sovereignty over creation, as seen in Job 38:22-23, where God stores up hail for times of trouble.

And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous.
Despite the clear demonstration of divine power, the response of the people is one of blasphemy rather than repentance. This reaction highlights the hardness of human hearts and the persistent rebellion against God, even in the face of undeniable evidence of His might. This mirrors the response of Pharaoh during the plagues of Egypt, where his heart was hardened despite witnessing God's power (Exodus 9:34-35). The phrase underscores the theme of judgment throughout Revelation, where humanity's refusal to repent leads to further divine retribution. It also serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's authority, as seen in Romans 1:18-32, where God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Great Hailstones
These are massive stones of ice, each weighing about a hundred pounds, symbolizing divine judgment and wrath.

2. Men
Refers to humanity experiencing the judgment, specifically those who are unrepentant and blasphemous towards God.

3. God
The sovereign deity executing judgment upon the earth, highlighting His power and justice.

4. Plague of Hail
A catastrophic event that is part of the series of judgments described in Revelation, emphasizing the severity of God's wrath.

5. Cursing of God
The response of the people to the judgment, showing their hardened hearts and refusal to repent.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Recognize that God is in control of all events, including natural disasters, and uses them to fulfill His purposes.

The Hardness of Human Hearts
Understand that despite clear signs of divine intervention, many will still refuse to repent, highlighting the depth of human rebellion.

The Call to Repentance
Use these warnings as a call to examine our own lives and ensure we are living in alignment with God's will.

The Reality of Divine Justice
Acknowledge that God's justice is real and will be executed, encouraging believers to live righteously and share the gospel.

Hope in God's Protection
Trust in God's ability to protect and preserve His people even amidst severe judgments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the hailstones in Revelation 16:21 compare to the plagues in Egypt, and what does this tell us about God's consistency in judgment?

2. In what ways does the response of the people to the hailstones reflect the condition of the human heart, and how can we guard against such hardness?

3. How can understanding God's sovereignty over natural events impact our response to current global disasters?

4. What lessons can we learn from the repeated theme of repentance in Revelation, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily lives?

5. How does the assurance of God's protection during times of judgment encourage you in your faith journey, and how can you share this hope with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:22-26
The plague of hail in Egypt serves as a precursor to the end-time judgments, demonstrating God's power over nature and His ability to protect His people.

Job 38:22-23
God questions Job about the storehouses of hail, indicating His control over creation and His use of it for judgment.

Isaiah 28:17
Hail is used metaphorically to describe God's judgment against falsehood and injustice.

Ezekiel 38:22
Hailstones are part of God's judgment against Gog, showing consistency in God's use of natural elements for divine retribution.

Matthew 24:21-22
Jesus speaks of a great tribulation, which aligns with the catastrophic events described in Revelation, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of these judgments.